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Friday, August 24, 2012

#RomanticFridayWriters: Romantic Picnic

Romantic Friday Writers is an ongoing blog hop developed by L'Aussie and Francine Howarth and now managed by Denise, (L'Aussie) and Donna Hole. You don't have to participate to enjoy reading the many excellent stories. However, I do encourage any aspiring writers of any genre to give it a try. The degree of romance is up to the writer. Transforming your writing skills is always a worthwhile endeavor. If you'd like to read other stories in this week's submission go here.

Carl, his son James and I spent the day hiking along the Grand Canyon in Colorado. No one could ask for more perfect weather, or a better view. How humbled I felt by the majesty.

We stopped for a picnic lunch and had decided not to light a fire. Fire danger in Colorado was extremely high this year. A long drought accompanied by an extremely hot summer made for match box conditions.

I made my famous potato salad, an old family recipe that brought back pleasant memories every time I labored over it's preparation. Carl whipped together the ham and cheese sandwiches while James waited on our checkered blanket.

We ate while James enthralled us with his digital cell phone pictures.

"Now that's a classic," Carl said and popped a ripe strawberry into his mouth.

In the picture my hair had been tossed in front of my face by the wind at the last moment. "Oh yeah, I've never looked better."

"I'm telling you Dad, take cooking lessons from her okay?" James said, some of my potato salad dribble on his chin. He wiped it up.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll send you over to Leslie's house for lessons." Glancing at me Carl finished. "He's got a new girl friend, something easy so he can impress her, okay?"

"Any time," I said and meant it. I loved both of them, but I'd never told Carl just how much.

The heat of the day was eased by a hot wind evaporating our perspiration right off our skins. I applied more sun screen while James pulled to his feet and took off toward the ridge and another great photo experience.

Carl watched his son for a moment and then rummaged through his backpack. I leaned back, gazing toward the blue sky that supported only a few running clouds. Then...

Carl blocked the sun before kneeling down along side of me. Surprised, I sat and crossed my legs.

"I've never been more certain of anything in my life," Carl said.

I blinked, not sure what he was talking about.

"We've known each other for seven years. James was just a kid and me, a struggling, clueless father. You said hello and took it upon yourself to visit so often I relied on you too much. I still don't know why you---"

"Carl?"

He put his hand on my arm. I never realized just how much I've grown to love you. Do you think you could teach us both to cook at my house?"

In his hand he held a ring box. What's a girl gonna say?

WC 400

So, I gave you a clue earlier in the story about what she thinks. If there had been more words I would have answered this. I bet you can guess. Hope you liked it.

Great location; and the detail with the wind blowing her hair was great. This was so romantic, what a wonderful place to propose. Great that they knew each other so well, but the proposal came as a surprise.

Woo hoo Nancy, great one! The second or third ring in the box at the end this week so far! I kept waiting for the smoke and fire coming, but the fire was of a different sort.I love your use of the senses with the food descriptions, the sights, the tastes etc. Wonderful.Thanks for your enthusiastic support.

Don't forget to come back to RFW if you'd like to vote for your favourite entry this week. Go with your gut. Really should be someone who kept to the word limit and has a romantic element! Poll will go up Monday AEST.

sorry for commenting late but was having some problems to get through the mob and had to wait to borrow a lap as mine not here :)

I loved such story,loved that you took care of every small detail that took me to such place,loved the bond between the three of them and loved the tender romantic touch wrapped with the ring,i really enjoyed it :)

Your writing style with this first person point of view is so relaxed that I wasn't sure when the story began! And it is so good. I like this story so much, with the background, the details about the risk for fire, the potato salad, having the son present when he proposed, and the fact that he chose such a beautiful setting!! How can a girl say no?

I would most definitely say yes!!! This was such a great read N.R! I'm sorry if it took so long getting here!! I got caught up with laundry!! Among other motherly duties.. LOL! I loved the imagery you displayed here.. It was almost like I was there.. and I could see the amazing view!

Thank you Siv

Thank you Deirdra

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